Council of Europe Health Department

About the institution

The Council of Europe Health Department operates within the structures of the Council of Europe as part of the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM). It is a specialized unit of an international intergovernmental organization focused on improving healthcare quality and patient safety in Europe.

Mission and areas of action

The main goal of the department is to support member states in creating and implementing high standards in health protection. Activities focus on:

• developing and promoting quality standards in medicine and healthcare,
• supporting the safe and rational use of medical products,
• strengthening health protection systems from a human rights perspective,
• facilitating cooperation and the exchange of best practices between countries.

Scope of work and initiatives

The department participates in the creation of guidelines, recommendations, and practical tools for health institutions and public administration. It may engage in:

• preparing normative documents and recommendations for health systems,
• projects and programs related to the quality of health services,
• educational and informational activities for professionals and decision-makers,
• substantive support in implementing European standards in health protection.

Who it is for

The Council of Europe Health Department primarily directs its activities towards:

• public institutions responsible for health policy,
• regulatory bodies and standardization institutions,
• healthcare facilities and their management staff,
• healthcare workers and medical experts,
• international organizations and partners involved in the development of health systems.

International cooperation

As part of the Council of Europe, the department collaborates with various national and international entities, supporting the harmonization of approaches to quality and safety in health protection. It participates in dialogue between states and in initiatives aimed at improving access to health services of appropriate quality.

Values and approach

The department's activities are based on the values of the Council of Europe, such as respect for human rights, equality of access to healthcare, and strengthening trust in health systems. In its work, it emphasizes scientific evidence, transparency, and intersectoral cooperation.

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• Phone (old): +33 3 88 41 30 04
• WWW (old): https://www.coe.int/en/web/health